Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?

50% loamy soil, 30% compost, 20% sand

Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers

Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during growing season.

• Anti-diabetic: Traditionally used to manage blood sugar levels.

• Digestive Aid: Helps with indigestion and constipation.

• Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant: Used for skin issues and wound healing.

What Is An Costus yellow Tree?

Costus spectabilis, also known as yellow trumpet, is a short African perennial. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that produces four large fleshy leaves that lie flat on the ground. Orange flowers bloom from late spring to early winter.

What Are The Different Types Of Costus Plants?

1. Costus tonkinensis

A rare, tall-stemmed perennial with bright yellow flowers that grow directly from the rhizome.

2. Costus 'Belize Yellow

A cold-tolerant plant that grows well in most parts of Australia and prefers semi-shade. It blooms from spring to late autumn.

3. Costus spectabilis

A species that becomes dormant in winter and shrinks into a millipede-like rhizome without roots. It occurs from Sierra Leone through Sudan to Angola and Zimbabwe.

4. Costus comosus

A plant that looks best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in a sheltered location, but also tolerates sun.

How to care for Costus Plants ?

1. Location

The plant requires a warm climate. In colder climates, you can also enjoy them in containers that you can bring indoors during the winter.

2. Sunlight

Costas plants prefer bright, direct light. It tolerates partial shade, but requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plants that receive more light should receive more water.

3. Hydration

 Costas plants require a lot of water and should be watered regularly. The soil should not dry out even in winter. Plants that receive more sunlight require more water.

4. Soil

Costas plants grow best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. You can use a ready-made fertile breathable primer with the addition of a small amount of sand.

5. Nutrition

Costas plants can be fertilized weekly with a weak liquid fertilizer containing micronutrients. You can also apply fertilizer levels of N90, P40, and K20.

6.Issues

Brown leaf edges: If your plant has brown leaf edges, it may be underwater or exposed to cold winds. Try increasing water and humidity.

Pests and Diseases: Costas plants are susceptible to mealybugs and aphids.

Lowers blood sugar levels: Eating the leaves, taking supplements, or boiling the leaves to make tea can lower blood sugar levels.

Other health benefits: Insulin plant may have other health benefits such as antioxidant properties, diuretic properties, antibacterial properties, and cancer prevention properties.

Insulin Plants contain many nutrients, including proteins, terpenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, ascorbic acid, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and B vitamins.

FAQs About Growing Costus

1. How do I care for Costus?

Fertilize in spring and keep it moist. All types of costas grow well in partial shade and morning light.

2. What is the common name of Costas flower?

Plants of the genus Costus are often called spiral ginger, despite their family (Costaceae).

3. Is Costas an ornamental plant?

The Costas plant is a plant closely related to ginger that produces spectacular inflorescences, one per plant. These plants require a warm climate.

4. Is Kostus a medicinal plant?

Kostus is widely recognized in traditional medical systems such as Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, and Tibetan medicine.

5. Where is Indian Costus?

Costus is an important herbal plant in the Indian medical system and is widely distributed in Kashmir, Uttarakhand and the Western Ghats.